TABLE 1.

Steps on Building a Human Connection

Step	Build a Human Connection	Example
1	Start with an invitation	“Tell me about you today”; “How does your child look to you?”; “Tell me more.”
2	Stop talking	—
3	Actively listen	Eye contact, head nodding, and deliberate focus on the person speaking; repeat back: “What I’m hearing you say…”
4	Exercise in reciprocity: find common ground; go back to step 1	“What is your understanding of your child’s current condition?”; “What do you fear?”; “What do you hope for?”; “Is now a good time?”; and then… “We are both hoping for that goal.”